Source: Football Italia

The reason why Milan are refusing to raise their £12.5m offer for Luis Fabiano may be a legal clause in his contract freeing him for that sum.

The Rossoneri saw their bid rejected by Sevilla and declared “insulting,” while the player’s agent confessed he was “furious” at the size of the proposal.

However, it is now rumoured that there is method to Milan’s madness, as they held negotiations with Rio – a company that owns 66 per cent of his contract.

The newspapers in Italy suggest that when Sevilla signed Luis Fabiano from Porto in 2005, there was a clause added in that they would have to sell if faced with an offer higher than £9m.

It is believed Rio will now take legal action to push through that clause and ensure the Selecao striker’s move to the more prestigious Milan.

Sevilla would like at least £16m to part with their hitman.

It is known that earlier this week Rossoneri directors met with Rio representatives, but insisted it was "a courtesy meeting."